Page 92 of Coercion

I don’t respond, I stare at a smear of gravy on the edge of my plate. This meal feels like it’s taking forever and I know whatever point Gunnar is trying to make, he’s not done it yet. Right now, it’s just score pointing, him showing how much power he still has over me and how stupid I’ve been to pretend otherwise.

“Tell me, Preston, how are you finding her?”

“In what capacity?” Preston asks.

“As a wife, is she doing her duties. Is she satisfying you as you expect?”

I flush more. I clench my fists as Preston looks between us.

“What exactly are you asking?” He growls.

Gunnar shrugs before taking a long slurp of his wine. “Her mother was a whore, it’s only expected that she acts like one too. If I were you I’d keep a close eye on her though because as soon as your back is turned, I guarantee she’ll be fucking half your men.”

I gasp. A tiny barely audible sound but it’s all I can make. It feels like my throat is closing up with fear. It feels like every wall in this house is crashing down on me.

And a big part of me would welcome it.

To be buried.

To die here, under this rubble and never have to come back up again.

Preston draws himself up, and I can see he’s furious now. “Do not ever speak of my wife like that.” He snaps.

Gunnar smirks, looking at me then back at my husband. “I see she’s charmed you then. Good work, Ruby, you were quick this time.” He winks.

The chair screeches as Preston pushes it back. He gets to his feet, but as he does, his phone rings. You can feel the tension as he stares Gunnar down, as it’s clear he wants to beat the shit out of him but something else is dragging him away.

“What?” He barks down the receiver.

Someone mumbles back from the other end.

Preston shuts his eyes, runs his hand over them then lets out a frustrated sound. “Fine.” He hangs up before turning to me. “I have to go.”

I nod, smiling as best I can, acting like it’s no big deal when all I want to do is beg him to stay, or better, take me with him, take me out of this awful situation.

“Go.” Gunnar says, leaning back in his chair. “There are some things I have to discuss with your wife. Matters about Levi that I’m sure would bore you.”

“Do you want him to stay?” Preston asks me.

I want to scream, I want to tell him exactly what this is but my voice won’t work, my fear is too great, it feels like I’m spiralling, reliving all that horror and I’m buried so deep in the darkness I don’t know how to climb out.

“Go, Preston.” Gunnar says. “Your wife will still be here to fuck when you get back.”

He searches my face one last time, glances at Gunnar then lifts my jaw up to plant a chaste kiss on my lips. “I’ll be as quick as I can.” He states before walking out.

The minute the door shuts, the minute I’m alone, it feels like everything shatters.

“Isn’t that sweet?” Gunnar says quietly. “He treats you like you’re actually worthy of respect.”

“Get out.” I say, getting to my feet, grabbing the knife for good measure.

Gunnar laughs, moving quickly, and within seconds I’m fighting to get out of his grasp. He slams me down onto the same table we’ve all just been eating at and the plates rattle from the impact.

“Stupid little bitch.” He spit, clawing the knife from my grasp. “Did you really think you could just ignore me forever?”

“You have no power over me.” I hiss back.

He wrenches my hair back and it feels like my very scalp is on fire.